1. The Unmerciful Servant Jesus’ teaching found in Matthew 18: 23 through 35 is at once a study of unlimited forgiveness (cp. vs. 23, 21, 22). Personal offence will happen (vs. 15-17). Jesus anticipates this eventuality and provides necessary teaching.

2. The Unmerciful Servant Basic facts of the parable: 1.The king took account of his servants (vs. 23). 2.One servant owed 10, 000 talents (vs. 24). 3.This servant could not pay and asked for an extension (vs. 25-26). 4.The servant begged and the king forgave the debt (vs. 26, 27). 5.The forgiven servant then turned around and would not forgive a lesser amount owed to him (vs. 28-30). 6.The unforgiving suffered terrible consequences (vs. 31-35).

3. The Unmerciful Servant Representation and lessons: 1.The debtor stands for sinners (Eccl. 7: 20, Rom. 3: 10, 23). Man’s debt is so enormous that he can not pay it (cp. Eph. 2: 8, 9). 2.The merciful king stands for God (God is merciful, Tit. 3: 5). 3.God’s forgiveness is conditional (Matt. 18: 32-35, 6: 14, 15, see same about man’s forgiveness, Matt. 18: 15-17, Luke 17: 3, 4).

4. The Unmerciful Servant Personal application: We must be willing to forgive (cp. Luke 23: 34, Acts 7: 60). Must forgive “…from your hearts” (vs. 35). Consider Ephesus 4: 32. The seeking of forgiveness actively involves both the offended and the offender (sinner, Matt. 18: 15-17, vs. 26, 29; Luke 17: 3, 4).

5. The Unmerciful Servant Consequence of not forgiving: If we do not forgive, then God will not forgive us (Matt. 18: 32-35, 6: 14, 15). A Jew who could not repay was subject to mild domestic punitive measures (Lev. 25: 39-41). Jesus presents greater punishment (Matt. 18: 34, 35, 25: 46, Mark 9: 43-47).

6. The Unmerciful Servant Are you begging God to forgive your debt against Him? “26: The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.” Believe (John 8: 24). Repent (Acts 17: 30, 31). Confess (Rom. 10: 9, 10). Be baptized (Acts 2: 38).